Tragic Oversight in Lewiston Shooting
In a heartbreaking turn of events, survivors and families of victims from the 2023 Lewiston, Maine mass shooting have filed a lawsuit against the U.S. government. The suit, representing over 100 plaintiffs, alleges negligence by the Army and the Department of Defense in failing to act on clear warning signs exhibited by the shooter, Robert R. Card II, an Army Reservist. On October 25, 2023, Card opened fire at a bowling alley and a bar, killing 18 people and sparking a two-day manhunt that ended with his death by suicide.
The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Maine on September 3, claims that the Army ignored repeated red flags about Card's mental state and potential for violence. According to the complaint, colleagues and supervisors had expressed concerns for months, with one fellow reservist even warning in a September text that he believed Card was going to 'snap and do a mass shooting.' Despite these alarms, no sufficient action was taken to prevent the tragedy.
Allegations of Systemic Failure
The plaintiffs argue that this incident represents 'one of the most preventable mass tragedies in American history.' Their legal team contends that the Army disregarded its own mandatory policies and procedures when dealing with Card, who had been hospitalized for psychiatric evaluation prior to the shooting. 'From the start, the Army disregarded its mandatory policies and regulations,' the lawsuit states, pointing to systemic failures within the military structure.
Named defendants include the Department of Defense, the Army, and Keller Army Community Hospital. Attorneys for the plaintiffs, including Travis Brennan and Ben Gideon, have emphasized the profound loss felt by the community. One plaintiff statement shared during a news conference resonated deeply: 'We trusted those in power to protect our loved ones and their inaction cost us everything.'
The behavior of Card, a 40-year-old grenade instructor from Bowdoin, Maine, had been a growing concern among his peers. Reports indicate that warnings about his potential to commit violence were explicit and communicated to authorities well before the attack, yet no decisive intervention occurred.
Community Seeks Justice and Accountability
As the lawsuit moves forward, the Lewiston community continues to grapple with the aftermath of Maine's deadliest mass shooting. Families and survivors are seeking not only compensation but also accountability for what they see as a catastrophic failure by the institutions meant to protect them. The legal action underscores a broader call for improved mental health protocols and oversight within the military.
This case has reignited discussions on how warning signs are handled by federal entities, particularly when it comes to active reservists. While the outcome of the lawsuit remains uncertain, it serves as a somber reminder of the lives lost and the urgent need for systemic change to prevent future tragedies. The nation watches as these brave survivors demand answers and justice for their unimaginable loss.